NETANYAHU WARNS OF HAMAS'S DEMISE AMID ONGOING CONFLICT

In a strong statement on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the approaching end of Hamas, urging its members to surrender. As the conflict in the Gaza Strip persisted beyond two months, Netanyahu addressed Hamas terrorists directly, stating, "It's over. Don't die for (Yahya) Sinwar. Surrender now." Netanyahu claimed that in recent days, numerous Hamas members had surrendered to Israeli forces, although the military has not presented evidence, and Hamas has refuted these assertions.

Approximately a month ago, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas had "lost control" of Gaza. Contrary to Netanyahu's declaration, Hamas issued a warning on Sunday, asserting that no hostages would leave the territory alive unless the group's demands were met. Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas's armed wing, emphasized in a televised broadcast, "Neither the fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership... nor its supporters... can take their prisoners alive without an exchange and negotiation and meeting the demands of the resistance."

Israel reported on Saturday that 137 captives remained in the Palestinian territory. While Qatar, acting as a mediator, indicated ongoing efforts to secure a new truce and release more hostages, it cautioned that the continuous Israeli bombardment was "narrowing the window" for a successful resolution. The situation remains tense as conflicting messages and actions shape the trajectory of the long-standing conflict.

UPENN PREZ STEPS DOWN AMID ANTISEMITISM UPROAR

University of Pennsylvania (Upenn) President Liz Magill has resigned following mounting criticism and donor pressure related to her ambiguous testimony on antisemitism during a congressional hearing. The controversy centered on Magill's inability to decisively state whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate the university's conduct policy. The announcement of her departure came on Saturday, with the university revealing that Magill will retain a faculty position at the Carey Law School.

The uproar ensued after Magill's appearance before a House committee alongside presidents from Harvard and MIT. Representative Elise Stefanik's persistent questioning about the university's stance on genocide led to Magill's vague responses. Criticism poured in from various quarters, including the White House, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and donors. A major donor threatened to withdraw a $100 million gift over the university's handling of antisemitism issues unless Magill stepped down.

In response to the backlash, Magill conceded a day later, acknowledging that a call for the genocide of Jewish people should be considered harassment or intimidation. She also recognized the need to "clarify and evaluate" Penn's policies. Magill had already faced discontent from donors and alumni over perceived mishandling of antisemitic incidents on campus, including hosting a Palestinian literary arts festival with speakers accused of antisemitism.

CHANCES OF CEASEFIRE FADE AS FIGHTING RAGES ACROSS GAZA

Heavy fighting continues to devastate Gaza, with Israel maintaining its offensive despite international calls for a ceasefire. The US has supported Israel, vetoing UN Security Council attempts to halt the fighting and facilitating a significant emergency sale of tank ammunition to the country. The death toll in Gaza has reached approximately 18,000, and 49,500 people have been injured, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to warn of a looming catastrophe.

Amid aid delivery challenges, Palestinians are facing severe shortages of essential goods. Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed ongoing mediation efforts to end the war and secure the release of hostages. However, he noted a lack of willingness from both parties to engage in such efforts. Jordan's foreign minister accused Israel of attempting to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, alleging genocide, while Israel dismissed the accusations as outrageous.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA, highlighted the forcible displacement of Gazans, suggesting Israel might be pushing them toward Egypt. Guterres warned of mounting pressure near the Egypt border, anticipating a breakdown of public order, epidemic diseases, and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt.

On the military front, Israel reported striking over 250 targets in Gaza, with Hamas warning that no hostages would leave Gaza alive unless its demands for prisoner releases were met.

ISRAEL AIDS FOILING OF ALLEGED IRANIAN-ORDERED ATTACK IN CYPRUS

Israel has reportedly assisted Cyprus in preventing an attack orchestrated by Iran against Israelis and Jews on the island. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office disclosed the collaboration, expressing concern over the increased frequency of such plots since the Gaza conflict. While specific details about the thwarted attack were not provided, the statement, issued on behalf of the Mossad intelligence service, raised alarms about Iranian activities in the Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus.

This area is considered by Israel as being exploited by Iran for both terrorist objectives and as an operational and transit zone. The Greek Cypriot newspaper Kathimerini Cyprus later reported the detention of two Iranians suspected of gathering intelligence on potential Israeli targets. The individuals were apprehended in the government-controlled south of Cyprus after crossing from the north.

HOUTHI MILITIA IN YEMEN THREATENS TO BLOCK SHIPS EN ROUTE TO ISRAEL

The Iran-backed Houthi militia in northern Yemen has issued a new threat to impede all vessels heading to Israeli ports, expanding its previous warnings concerning ships traversing the Red and Arabian Seas. The militia had already declared its intention to target ships associated with Israelis and currently holds the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel hijacked last month, and its 25-member crew.

The latest statement by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea represents a heightened level of aggression against Israel since the Gaza conflict's commencement. The threat is linked to the Houthis' opposition to what they perceive as the Israeli military's "horrific massacres" in Gaza. The militia asserts it will obstruct ships bound for Israel until Gaza's requirements for food and medicine are met.

IRAN UNVEILS COMBAT DRONES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES

TEHRAN: Iran has reinforced its air defence capabilities by adding combat drones equipped with air-to-air missiles to its arsenal. The drones, with an operational range of up to 1,000 kilometres, were exhibited on Sunday morning during a televised ceremony organised at a military academy in Tehran.

EGYPTIANS VOTE IN ELECTION, LIKELY TO GIVE PRESIDENT SISI A THIRD TERM

CAIRO: Polling stations opened on Sunday for Egyptians to vote in a presidential election overshadowed by war in neighbouring Gaza and with little doubt that the incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will secure a third term. The country is in the throes of one of its worst financial crisis and economy will be weighing on citizen’s minds.

HONG KONG HOLDS THE TERRITORY’S FIRST ‘PATRIOTS ONLY’ LOCAL ELECTIONS

HONG KONG: Polls opened in Hong Kong’s first “patriots only” district council election on Sunday, with officials dismissing concerns of potentially low turnout in a race that has shut out all opposition candidates after a national security crackdown. The previous election in 2019 had delivered a landslide victory for the pro-democracy camp.

BANGLADESH OPPOSITION PROTESTS ELECTION AMID CRACKDOWN

In the lead-up to Bangladesh's general election on January 7, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a protest on International Human Rights Day, denouncing the polls and demanding a non-partisan caretaker government for a fair election. Led by former PM Khaleda Zia, the BNP boycotts the election, claiming the current political environment under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League doesn't allow for a free and fair electoral process. The demonstration in Dhaka, held in front of the National Press Club, follows a violent opposition rally on October 28. The BNP alleges a crackdown, with hundreds of opposition figures arrested and critics silenced, though authorities deny these allegations. The banners at the protest called for the release of prisoners and highlighted the plight of victims' families. The BNP has accused the government of torturing activists in custody, with five reported deaths among its members in the past two weeks. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, joint secretary-general of Zia's party, claimed that arrests and punishments under false charges aim to ensure a skewed election outcome, describing it as a "license to destroy Bangladesh."

CHILDREN OF IMPRISONED IRANIAN ACTIVIST ACCEPT NOBEL ON HER BEHALF

OSLO: The children of imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi accepted this year’s Nobel Peace Prize in the Norwegian capital on Sunday on behalf of the mother they haven’t seen in years. She is renowned for campaigning for women’s rights and democracy in her country, as well as fighting against the death penalty.

PHILIPPINES AND CHINA TRADE ACCUSATIONS OVER SCS COLLISION

A Philippine boat and a Chinese coast guard ship collided near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea, escalating tensions between the two nations. The incident occurred during a Philippine resupply mission, leading to mutual accusations. The Philippines claimed China harassed its vessels, accusing the coast guard of using water cannons. China countered, accusing the Philippine boat of deliberately colliding with its vessel. This confrontation follows the Philippines' previous allegation of China using water cannons near Scarborough Shoal.

VENEZUELA AND GUYANA PRESIDENTS TO ADDRESS BORDER DISPUTE

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali plan to meet in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to discuss the ongoing dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region. International leaders, including the US, UK, Russia, and South American nations, have urged de-escalation and a peaceful resolution. The meeting will be mediated by Caribbean organizations. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has also been invited to participate at both nations' request.

SUDAN DECLARES 15 UAE DIPLOMATS PERSONA NON GRATA

Sudan has declared 15 diplomats from the United Arab Emirates persona non grata amid accusations of UAE support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Pro-Army demonstrators and officials loyal to Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan have accused the UAE of backing the RSF in its conflict with the Army. The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced. World leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have cited external actors' financial and weapons support as contributing to the conflict. Egypt and Turkey support the Army, while the UAE is accused of aiding the RSF, controlling Sudan's lucrative gold mining sector.